Rise in Eurostar passenger numbers

The number of passengers taking Eurostar services through the Channel Tunnel increased this summer.

The high-speed train company carried 2.8 million passengers in summer 2014 (July to September) – a 3% rise on the summer 2013 total of 2.7 million.

Sales revenue for July to September 2014 rose 2% – going up from £207 million in summer 2013 to £211 million in summer 2014.

This is the 10th successive year of growth in passengers and sales revenue for Eurostar which celebrates its 20th anniversary next month.

In May 2015, the company is launching a new all-year-round service direct from London to Provence in southern France, stopping at Lyon, Avignon and Marseille. Tickets go on sale in early December 2014.

Then in 2016 Eurostar starts a direct service from London to Amsterdam.

Before then, Eurostar will be unveiling on November 13 – the eve of its 20th anniversary – its new e320 trains which will be capable of carrying 900 passengers and reach speeds of 200mph. They will enter service next year.

Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said today: “After 20 years of leading the way in cross-Channel high-speed rail travel our sights are now set on expanding further afield and making rail the obvious choice for short-haul travel.”

The UK Government is seeking buyers for its 40% stake in Eurostar – a move criticised by Labour and rail unions.